- 179
Lwalwa Mask, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Estimate
50,000 - 80,000 USD
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Description
- wood
- Height: 12 1/4 in (31 cm)
Provenance
Dr Daniel Mueller, acquired in situ before 1938
Adrian Schlag, Brussels
Didier Claes, Brussels
European Private Collection, acquired from the above in 2011
Adrian Schlag, Brussels
Didier Claes, Brussels
European Private Collection, acquired from the above in 2011
Condition
Very good condition overall. Nicks, chips, scratches and abrasions throughout consistent with age and use. A couple of very thin age cracks. Wear to the rim of the mask including a worn through hole at the top and a very small area broken and glued; a small area of erosion to the top of the mask. Exceptionally fine, deep, nuanced patina with some reddish pigment to the top of the head. Has stand.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The bold face masks of the Lwalwa people of present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo present an abstract conception of the human face which western viewers have admired since the first examples were brought to the attention of the outside world in the early 20th century. Composed of strong, simplified planes, this mask combines the architecturally cubistic design for which the Lwalwa are famous with a naturally rounded, fluid finish. The solid vertical ridge of the nose bisects the softer squinting line of the eyes, giving a meditative, sublime expression. As William Rubin has pointed out, Lwalwa masks bear an affinity with the dramatic profiles and sculptural solidity of Pablo Picasso’s busts of the 1930s. The present example was acquired in Africa quite early, having been collected before 1938, and bears a deep, glossy, aged patina from use and handling.